In a bid to halt the sales of enhanced body armor being used by civilians, Congress members Brian Higgins and Grace Meng have reintroduced a bill in response to the tragic events that unfolded on May 14, 2022. The Buffalo Police Department praised the brave actions of retired officer Aaron Salter, who confronted a mass shooter at a Buffalo Tops supermarket, potentially saving lives in the process.
To stop civilian from buying and using tactical body armor, Brian Higgins and Grace Meng have brought back a proposal after a sad event on May 14, 2022. The Buffalo Police Department commended Aaron Salter, a former officer, for his courage. He faced a mass shooter at a Buffalo Tops supermarket and might have saved lives.
U.S. Representative Brian Higgins, representing New York’s 26th district, remarked on the incident, emphasizing the role Salter played in neutralizing the threat. “It’s often said that a good guy with a gun can stop a bad guy with a gun, and Aaron Salter Jr. exemplified this,” stated Higgins.
Despite Salter’s swift response, Buffalo Police Department Commissioner Joe Gramaglia pointed out that the outcome might have been different if the shooter had not been equipped with tactical body armor. Gramaglia noted that Salter’s shot was precisely aimed, but the armor absorbed the round, rendering it ineffective.
The incident catalyzed Higgins and Meng’s commitment to reintroducing a bill that aims to restrict the possession of enhanced body armor by civilians. The legislation had been previously introduced but did not pass during the last session, prompting the congress members to bring it forward again.
Higgins emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the prevalence of such incidents. “These kinds of shootings, including the one that occurred here on May 14, are becoming distressingly commonplace. We won’t waver in our efforts,” he affirmed.
Meng also conveyed the widespread impact of the tragic event, noting that the repercussions were felt by New Yorkers across the state. She characterized the incident as a “horrific racist tragedy” that affected not only the Buffalo community but also resonated throughout the entire state.
The bill’s support extended beyond the congress members, with Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and families of the victims also advocating for its passage. Zeneta Everhart, whose son was wounded in the shooting, stressed the inappropriateness of military-grade equipment on civilian streets.
While New York has already passed a similar prohibition, proponents of the federal bill pointed out that the shooter acquired the ballistic vest from a different state. Commissioner Gramaglia acknowledged that potential perpetrators might find alternative means to obtain such equipment, but he underlined the importance of initiating a national ban as a necessary first step.
The legislation includes exemptions for individuals in law enforcement, active-duty military, and others who require such equipment for their professional roles. As the reintroduced bill gains traction, its proponents remain steadfast in their mission to address the concerning presence of tactical body armor in civilian settings.
